Ireland’s Andrew Balbirnie fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct
New Delhi [India], March 18 (ANI): Ireland batter Andrew Balbirnie has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second T20I against Afghanistan in Sharjah. According to a release from ICC, Balbirnie was found to have breached Article 2.8 of the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match."In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to Balbirnie’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period. The incident occurred in the 16th over of Ireland’s innings, when Balbirnie showed dissent on being adjudged leg before wicket by pointing to his gloves and telling the umpire that the ball had touched the gloves before hitting his pads. Balbirnie admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Bismillah Jan Shinwari and Izatullah Safi, third umpire Ahmed Shah Pakteen and fourth umpire Ahmed Shah Durrani levelled the charges. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points. In the three T20I series, Ireland have won the first game against Afghanistan by 38 runs. The Afghan side made a comeback in the second match and sealed a 10-run victory over Ireland. The series decider match will take place on Monday at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. (ANI)